Designing a 3 way active

[Julian 641]

For my next set up I'm thinking of running an active 3 way system. I would like to run an Sax-125.2 or a Sax100.4 whichever is better for a 3 way setup. My budget its slightly fixed anywhere from 200-250 for the 3 way set up. This will be going into a 4 Door Explorer. I typically listen to anything from Rap to death metal to spoken word; I would like a system that is well versed and able to transit from genre to genre with ease. Also to be able to reproduce it accurately but also i need something loud to be behind 4 15's. I am able to fabricate things; i have fiberglassed and know how, also i have access to many tools.

I need to start off finding Tweeter, Midrange, and a Midbass. I am currently using a set of Memphis Power Reference Component Speakers 15-PR1V2; i like the sound of them but i would like to move on to something bigger and larger.

I am willing to suggestions and to look into anything. if i need to add anything let me know.

[Sir-Lancelot 216]

You will need both 125.2 and the 100.4 if you plan to run active 3 way or at least 3 separate amps plus sub amp.

That was the main reason I went with a passive 3 way set, was the space 4 BIG amps would take up. I just did have room under my seat for the 2 amps I am running now.

4 15's DAM. You will need something efficient as hell thats for sure.

Having a larger stand alone midbass plus mid and tweet really opened up my sound stage so I would say go for it and take some pics.

[Julian 641]

2 saz-4500d's and 4 15's

But why so many amps? i can bridge and run active on the sundown amps right?

[NB50 206]

2 saz-4500d's and 4 15's

But why so many amps? i can bridge and run active on the sundown amps right?

In an active setup you need a channel for each speaker.

[Sir-Lancelot 216]

4 15's and 9000w - May as well get one big ass amp and load up your doors with as many 5-1/4's as you can fit.

[Julian 641]

Ah, i see..hmm I didn't know you needed a channel for each.

[Impious 1,476]

Don't go active. Active is not for everyone despite what the internet would lead you to believe. There is a certain level of knowledge required to obtain decent results active. If you don't understand how many amplifier channels are necessary for going active, then you are not yet at a level of knowledge capable of doing so.

So either wait and spend a lot of time learning and gaining experience and knowledge.....or stick with a passive setup for now.

[Julian 641]

That's why i posted this. to learn .

An Leviathan would be more suitable for me instead of having to run multiple amps to run a 6 channel.

Would this be better?

[///M5 2,833]

3 way active as a first active install is a recipe for will sound worse than an off the shelf component set. It may have more midbass, but you are going to have WAY too many levers to pull and without some serious luck have a very hard time pulling it off.

2 way active can be done, but I am with Brad and can't recommend you go that route...at least not yet.

[Sir-Lancelot 216]

That's why i posted this. to learn .

An Leviathan would be more suitable for me instead of having to run multiple amps to run a 6 channel.

Would this be better?

That would work nicely.

are you trying to get louder or more midbass, or ?

[Duran 387]

I'd recommend passive for you as well Julian.

[jcarter1885 995]

I'd recommend passive for you as well Julian.

x2, and if not passive and you really want to go active and are willing to learn then just stick with 2 way for now.

[Julian 641]

I'd recommend passive for you as well Julian.

damn you duran!

haha if he doubts me then i guess so

[///M5 2,833]

Not like you guys couldn't talk about it at home, lol.

It's all goal, time and knowledge related. Active in general yields worse results than a passive set, until they are put in the hands of someone experienced.

[Julian 641]

Instead of doing 2 sets of comp sets i was just thinking a active 3 way would yield better results and would be able to leave it if i take out my woofers/amps.

[///M5 2,833]

Hell an active 2way could EASILY smoke 2 comp sets, you really don't need a 3 way for that.

[Julian 641]

Ahhhh i see, i was thinking about the Ascendant Audio Comp set, are there any comp sets around their quality and their price range?

[///M5 2,833]

You should really focus more on your goals and ask for help than to throw out options.

[eggyhustles 33]

The guys are right

my 2 way setup was rushed and it came out sounding like complete shit.

[bigrank916 72]

I started my two way active build in September of last year. Granted, Ive had some hold ups but it just takes time. I still dont have it done yet.

A good active system will require a lot of time in installation and planning. The learning of of this said system should take much, much longer.

[Sir-Lancelot 216]

Passive FTW!

[Duran 387]

Passive FTW!

[pipes 1]

I went with a 3-way active system as my first attempt and if I had to do it over again I would definitely go with a 2-way active; though, note, I would still go active.

If you went 3 way, Zed's Leviathon would really be the way to go. I'd love to sell all my amps and just buy that one. It's a great piece of equipment.

Going with a 2 way active is possible if you're willing to do some research. There is plenty of information available without much searching - just do some reading here, roe, PE tech talk, etc for general concepts and the occasional link to outside information. As far as drivers go for a 2 way I'd go with a 6.5/7 inch mid and a tweeter. Though you could go with a bigger midbass and use a smaller fullrange unit and sacrifice some high end extension if you're willing to do some EQing.

But, there is something to be said for the simplicity of a plug and play passive. If you're willing to do the research (which you seem to be seeing you came here asking for help) then I don't see why you can't pull off an active set up... but as previously stated, start with goals and then find the components to fit them - starting with pieces of equipment and molding your goals to fit them won't turn out very well unless you get lucky.